LSGs answerable on pending cases

Kochi: In an attempt to end corruption, state government has asked all local bodies to keep tabs on cases pending in the High Court. Chiefs of local bodies and other officers would be held responsible for any lapse. The Performance Audit Supervisor should ensure that the respective local body is engaging counsel to defend their cases. This stems from recurrent failures of cases owing to non-representation by counsel. State in its circular made it clear that this is not helping the general public.

The government issued a circular on December 20, 2016. The state found that in many cases that are pending before the High Court against local bodies non-representation of counsel is causing damages to the government. This is because the local bodies are not taking effort to ensure that details are given to the advocates, state felt. Recently the High Court had passed an order asking state to issue a circular to avoid such unhealthy practices. Government issued the order in the wake of the court order. Government also considered a letter sent by the Additional Advocate General on December 12th.

The circular urged the local bodies to appoint a standing counsel. State further directed that failure in proper management of the cases at High Court would be dealt with seriously. The circular asked the Secretaries of all the local bodies in the state to prepare files regarding the number of cases pending before the courts. The performance audit supervisor should monitor these activities.